In an effort to cut costs, National Semiconductor Inc has asked its 13,000 employees to take 10 unpaid leave days between September 1 and December 1. The California-based chipmaker blamed the effects of the Asian financial crisis and inventory problems for the move but a spokesperson told one news service that it would help the company to get expenses out of the way and improve the bottom line. Last month (CI No 3,430), the company reported a fourth quarter loss of $212.4m, up from losses last time of $19.0m on revenues down 23.9% at $510.0m; net losses for the year to May 31 were $98.6m.
